On Friday, Patrick Sharp celebrated his 32nd birthday in style as he tallied a hat trick against the Colorado Avalanche during the Blackhawks' 7-2 win. Sharp became the only Blackhawk to ever record a hat trick on his birthday, and the first since Pavol Demitra in 2002.

On Monday, the Chicago Bears retired No. 89 in honor of legendary tight end and coach Mike Ditka. The Blackhawks congratulate Coach Ditka and his family on this great career achievement! "Da Coach" dropped by the United Center on April 18, 2009, before the Blackhawks took on the Calgary Flames in Game 2 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.Click here to view the photos >>

Blackhawks Anthem Singer Jim Cornelison is used to the pressure of signing in front of a packed house at the United Center, but this is a new kind of adrenaline rush. The singer recently skydived with the All Veteran Parachute Team, a group that represents the essence of what it means to be an American: patriotism, creativity, initiative, professionalism and dedication to excellence.

The Blackhawks are Stanley Cup champions for the second time in four seasons, and now will grace the cover of Sports Illustrated for the third time in 2013.

The regional cover, out this week, features Dave Bolland's title-winning goal from the closing minute of the decisive Game 6. The Blackhawks made two covers previously this season: during their 24-game unbeaten streak to begin the year, and during the Western Conference Final against Los Angeles.

With their stirring 4-3 win Monday night, the Blackhawks forced a Game 7 against the rival Detroit Red Wings, which will take place Wednesday at the United Center. Before that game gets underway, the Blackhawks Blog uncovered some facts and figures from Game 7s past.

The Emmy-winning series featured a Blackhawks banner on Wednesday's episode "Flip Flop," as real estate agent Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell) and family tried to convince a Hawks fan to purchase a listing by customizing the home to the potential buyer's taste -- favorite team included.

One of hockey's best players over the past 15 years, Marian Hossa will likely skate in his 1,000th NHL game this Sunday when the Blackhawks take on the Red Wings in Detroit. From the moment Hossa first donned the Blackhawks sweater on Nov. 26, 2009, he has been creating memorable moments for Chicago hockey fans (he did score two goals in that debut effort against the San Jose Sharks). In his three-plus seasons with the Blackhawks, the veteran winger has made highlight reel goals, recorded career milestones and - most importantly - hoisted the Stanley Cup.

Defenseman Brent Seabrook (lower body) will miss Tuesday night's game against the Vancouver Canucks, Blackhawks Head Coach Joel Quenneville told the media following the team's morning skate. The 27-year-old defenseman did not participate in the morning skate, and Quenneville described his condition as "day-to-day." He expects to have the blueliner back in the lineup within "the next day or so."

Seabrook left Sunday's 3-2 win against Los Angeles after being hit by a puck in the first period, but he returned in the second frame and finished the game.

Fans of both the Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks are well-acquainted with their team's current rivalry, the seeds of which were sown in the 2008-09 season, and blossomed through their 2009, 2010 and 2011 playoff series. But take a step back: the bitterness between Chicago and Vancouver is not a new idea, and in fact stretches back almost as far as the Canucks' 40-year history.

Here are just a few facts and figures from the long, contentious rivalry between these two Western Conference foes.

1. Tony Esposito was the author of the Blackhawks' first six shutouts against their British Columbian rivals.

Tony O turned in the first shutout against the Canucks on Nov. 17, 1971, just Vancouver's second season in the NHL. The Blackhawks' seventh all-time shutout against the Canucks - and the first one without Esposito between the pipes - was completed by Murray Bannerman on Jan. 8, 1984.